Vertex launches midstage trial for arthritis drug

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Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has launched a midstage human clinical

trial for a drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

The Cambridge company (NASDAQ: VRTX) said it will test its VX-702

compound in 300 patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis,

exploring the safety and effectiveness of the compound through several

dosing levels.

Vertex said the compound would market a change in the rheumatoid

arthritis market if proven to be successful. Most similar treatments

must be given by injection and are intended to help moderate the

disease in patients. Vertex believes its treatment, which would be

given orally, will help stop the production of substances known as

cytokines and prevent inflammation.

If successful, VX-702 would enter a massive market, with sales for

rheumatoid arthritis drugs in the U.S. alone reaching $3.2 billion in

2004, Vertex estimates.

Vertex expects enrollment in the midstage -- or Phase II -- study to be

finished by the end of 2005. Once a compound successfully completes a

Phase III clinical trial it usually can be submitted to the U.S. Food

and Drug Administration for marketing approval.

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